According to Future Market Insights analysts, factors such as a rising prevalence of disorders such as diabetes-related gangrene cases, peripheral vascular diseases, and osteoarthritis among elderly individuals are leading to the use of 3D printed medical devices. Some of the other factors are cases where dental implants and cranio-maxillofacial implants are required. These factors are collectively anticipated to fuel the revenue growth of the global 3D printed medical devices market over the forecast period. In addition, factors such as rising awareness regarding personal care, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, increase in incidence of accidents, and increasing geriatric population are anticipated to enhance the growth of the global 3D printed medical devices market over the forecast period.

However, only a few selected materials such as resins, plastics and a few metals are used for 3D printing. Usage of other materials for 3D printing results in high operational costs and is time consuming. Also, size of the printer limits the size of the product and thus, it is a challenging job to produce parts of large industrial machines. Moreover, a key limiting factor in the adoption of 3D printing are technical barriers. These are complex equipment and so most of the 3D printing manufacturers are utilising open source technology. As adjusting equipment and printing parameters are time consuming processes, users lose interest in learning or knowing to operate such devices.

By technology, the SLS technology segment accounted for a higher revenue share in the global 3D printed medical devices market in 2015 as compared to other product segments. The SLS technology segment is expected to reach a value of US$ 230.0 Mn by 2026, registering a CAGR of 15.3% over the forecast period. Though the value of the polyjet / inkjet 3D printed medical devices technology segment was lower as compared to the SLS technology segment in 2015, due to a growing demand and increasing applications, its value over the forecast period is expected to be the highest amongst the other categories in the technology segment.

By material, the plastics material segment accounted for a higher revenue share in the global 3D printed medical devices market as compared to others. The plastic material segment is expected to reach a value of US$ 984.7 Mn by 2026, registering a CAGR of 17.2% over the forecast period.

By application, the orthopaedic implants application segment accounted for a higher revenue share in the global 3D printed medical devices market as compared to other segments. The orthopaedic implants application segment is expected to reach a value of US$ 643.5 Mn by 2026, reflecting a CAGR of 19.9% over the forecast period.

By distribution channel, the hospitals end user segment accounts for higher demand for 3D printed medical devices as compared to other distribution channel segments such as ambulatory surgical centres and diagnostic centres, registering a CAGR of 18.7% over the forecast period.

Regional market projections

Sales of 3D printed medical devices are relatively healthy in the U.S. market in recent years, making North America the most lucrative market globally. The North America 3D printed medical devices market revenue was accounted to be US$ 105.0 Mn in 2015, with the U.S. accounting for a majority of revenue share. In addition to North America, 3D printed medical devices sales are expected to grow gradually in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and APEJ. Revenues in Western Europe are expected to register a CAGR of 18.5%, whereas Eastern Europe is anticipated to register a CAGR of 15.6% over the forecast period.